Martial artists Benny Urquidez and Tim Kennedy were inducted into the the International Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2019 during the Arnold Sports Festival on Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio.
Benny Urquidez is an American kickboxer, martial arts choreographer and actor. Nicknamed “The Jet”, Urquidez, he was a non-contact karate competitor who later pioneered full-contact fighting in the United States. He made the transition from point to full-contact karate in 1974 – the year of its inception in the U.S., frequently fighting in bouts where the rules were ambiguous and contrasts in styles were dramatic.(Read More)
Tim Kennedy is an American retired professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the UFC’s Middleweight division. He has also formerly competed for Strikeforce, the WEC, ShoMMA, HDNet Fights, and represented the Chicago Red Bears in the IFL. (Read More)
Other Inductees into the International Sports Hall of Fame 2019 include:
Rocky Bleier – An NFL Football Legend, former professional American football player. He was a National Football League (NFL) halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1971 to 1980 and winner of 4 Super Bowls.
Michael Buffer – An American ring announcer for boxing and professional wrestling matches. He is known for his trademarked catchphrase, “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!” and for pioneering a distinct announcing style in which he rolls certain letters and adds other inflections to a fighter’s name. His half-brother is UFC announcer Bruce Buffer.
David Goggins – An American ultramarathon runner, ultra-distance cyclist, triathlete and former World Record Holder for the most pull-ups done in 24 hours. He is a retired United States Navy SEAL and former United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party member who took part in the War in Afghanistan (2001–present) and the Iraq War.
